Pant-type wearable article

Abstract

To provide a wearable article with improved extensibility, fitness, comfort, softness, and air permeability.SOLUTION: Each of front and a back elastic belt is a laminate including an inner sheet, an outer sheet, and a plurality of elastic members 96 extending in a transverse direction. The laminate includes: an elastic bonding part 230 which continuously bonds elastic members for at least about 10 mm in the direction of stretch in a region adjacent to side edges of the front and back elastic belts; and a vertical bonding part 234 applied to at least one of the inner sheet and the outer sheet with intervals in the transverse direction in order to intermittently bond the elastic member to at least one of the inner sheet and the outer sheet. At least one of the inner and the outer sheets includes a plurality of deformation parts aligned in the longitudinal direction. An article has a Stretch Circumference Force about 6.5 N or less, and a Fit Circumference Force of at least about 3.0 N, and a ratio of the Stretch Circumference Force / the Fit Circumference Force is less than about 1.8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pant-type wearable article having an elastic belt that provides good fit while having improved gather regularity, improved comfort, and softness.

Background Art

[0002] Infants and other individuals with incontinence symptoms wear absorbent articles such as diapers that receive and contain urine and other body excretions. Pull-on absorbent articles, i.e., pant-type absorbent articles, are articles that are worn by inserting the wearer's legs into leg openings and sliding the article upward to a position around the lower torso. Pant-type absorbent articles are widely popular for infants who can walk and are often used during toilet training, and also for younger infants who are more difficult to put on tape-type absorbent articles, for active infants, and for younger infants who require a soft fit around the waist opening and leg openings.

[0003] Pant-type articles can take various structures and have sufficient elasticity around and near the waist opening to allow the wearer or caregiver to easily unfold the article and insert the wearer's legs into the leg openings for wearing. The area around and near the waist is often referred to as an elastic belt. One type of structure of a pant-type article is a belt-type pant having a central chassis that covers the crotch area of the wearer and a separate elastic belt that defines the waist opening and leg openings as described in WO 2006 / 17718 (A). Another type of structure of a pant-type article is an integral pant configured such that the outer cover of the article completely covers the entire surface facing the clothing of the article, and the portion configured to stretch around the torso is regarded as an elastic belt region.

[0004] Regardless of the structure of the pant-type article, it will only offer a very small range of size or body-shape adjustment based on the structural limitations of the article. Therefore, pant-type articles are typically configured to adapt to a range of sizes and body shapes by having a highly elastic and comfortable elastic belt area, yet still providing a reliable fit, so that sufficient protection against sagging and leakage can be provided. Furthermore, the elastic belt area may be the part that is most frequently touched and observed by the wearer or caregiver during use, and therefore the characteristics of the elastic belt area are most closely related to the quality of the article. A desirable quality is an underwear-like appearance provided by the aesthetically pleasing regularity of the gathers. However, even if such characteristics are met when the article is newly manufactured, it has been found that such characteristics can change as the product ages. Several factors may contribute to such changes in characteristics, including, but not limited to, the degradation of the adhesive material used to attach the elastic members to the base material of the article. Degradation of the adhesive material is of particular interest, as such degradation can change the force properties of the elastic belt. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2006 / 17718(A) [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Based on the foregoing, there is a need for wearable articles that provide improved stretchability for easier application, improved fit to prevent sagging, improved comfort and softness, and improved breathability for skin health. Wearable articles having such properties are also needed for the intended shelf life. It is also needed to provide such wearable articles that can be manufactured economically. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to a wearable article that is continuous in the longitudinal and transverse directions, comprising a front elastic belt region, a rear elastic belt region, a crotch region, a waist opening, and a pair of leg openings, wherein the crotch region extends longitudinally between the front elastic belt region and the rear elastic belt region. Each of the front and rear elastic belts is a laminate including an inner sheet, an outer sheet, and a plurality of elastic members extending in the transverse direction. The laminate further includes elastic coupling portions that continuously connect elastic members over a distance of at least approximately 10 mm in the stretching direction in regions adjacent to the side edges of the front and rear elastic belts, and vertical coupling portions that are applied to at least one of the inner and outer sheets at intervals in the transverse direction to intermittently connect elastic members to at least one of the inner and outer sheets. At least one of the inner sheet and the outer sheet includes a plurality of deformable parts, and the deformable parts are aligned in the longitudinal direction. The articles concerned have a stretched perimeter force of about 6.5 N or less, preferably about 6.0 N or less, and a fitted perimeter force of at least about 3.0 N, according to the measurement methods specified herein, and the ratio of the stretched perimeter force to the fitted perimeter force is less than about 1.8. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] At the end of this specification are the claims, which specifically identify and individually claim the subject matter that is deemed to constitute the present invention. However, the present invention will be better understood by reading the accompanying drawings, which are substantially the same in nature and are designated by similar reference numerals, together with the following description. [Figure 1A] This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the wearable article of the present invention. [Figure 1B] This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the wearable article of the present invention in a contracted state, showing the front side of the article. [Figure 2] This is a schematic plan view showing one embodiment of a wearable article according to the present invention, in which the seams are not joined and the surface facing the garment is shown in a flat, non-shrinkable state. [Figure 3A] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment showing the position of the elastic member, the elastic adhesive joint, and the adhesive joint having a separate pattern. [Figure 3B] This is an enlarged schematic plan view of Figure 3A. [Figure 4A] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of Figure 3B taken along the cross-sectional line 4-4 in Figure 3B. [Figure 4B] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of Figure 4A in the contracted state. [Figure 5A] This is a schematic plan view of the elastic belt of the present invention. [Figure 5B] This is a plan view of the elastic belt of the present invention in an extended state. [Figure 5C] Figure 5B is a plan view of the elastic belt in its contracted state. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of an example of a hanger-type sample holder and fixation device, following the "Total Physical Force Measurement Method". [Figure 7A] These are images of Example 1, showing the original and processed forms related to the "directional dispersion value" measurement method. [Figure 7B] These are images of Example 1, showing the original and processed forms related to the "directional dispersion value" measurement method. [Figure 7C] These are images of Example 1, showing the original and processed forms related to the "directional dispersion value" measurement method.

[0009] Definition As used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings specified hereinafter. "Wearable article" refers to a wearable article that can be in the form of pants, tape-type diapers, incontinence briefs, menstrual clothing for women, etc. The "wearable article" may be configured to absorb and contain various excretions discharged from the body, such as urine, feces, menstrual blood, etc. The "wearable article" can be adapted to be joined with a separable disposable absorbent insert for providing an absorption and containment function, such as those disclosed in International Publication No. 2011 / 087503(A), and can serve as an outer cover.

[0010] "Pants" means a disposable absorbent article having pre-formed waist and leg openings. The pants can be worn by inserting the wearer's both legs into the leg openings and sliding the pants up to a position around the lower torso of the wearer. Pants are usually also referred to as "closed diapers", "pre-fastened diapers", "pull-on diapers", "training pants", and "diaper pants". [[ID=II]]

[0011] "Longitudinal direction" refers to a direction that extends substantially perpendicular from the waist edge of the article to the opposite waist edge and generally parallel to the maximum linear dimension of the article.

[0012] "Transverse direction" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0013] "Proximal" and "distal" each mean a position closer or farther from the longitudinal center of the article, respectively.

[0014] "Body-facing" and "clothing-facing" refer to the relative position of an element, its surface, or a group of elements, respectively. "Body-facing" means that the element or surface is closer to the wearer during wear than any other element or surface. "Clothing-facing" means that the element or surface is further away from the wearer during wear than any other element or surface (i.e., the element or surface is closer to the wearer's clothing that may be worn over a disposable absorbent article).

[0015] "To be positioned" refers to an element being placed in a specific location or position.

[0016] "Joined" refers to a configuration in which one element is directly attached to another element by directly adhering it to that element, and a configuration in which an element is attached to an intermediate member(s), and that intermediate member(s) is further attached to another element, thereby indirectly attaching that element to another element.

[0017] A "film" refers to a sheet-like material in which the length and width of the material significantly exceed its thickness. Typically, a film has a thickness of approximately 0.5 mm or less.

[0018] "Water permeability" and "impermeability" refer to the permeability of a material under the intended use conditions of a disposable absorbent article. Specifically, the term "water permeability" refers to a layer or layer structure having pores, openings, and / or interconnected voids through which liquid water, urine, or synthetic urine can pass through the thickness of the layer or layer structure in the absence of compressive pressure. Conversely, the term "impermeability" refers to a layer or layer structure through which liquid water, urine, or synthetic urine cannot pass through the thickness of the layer or layer structure in the absence of compressive pressure (other than natural forces such as gravity). An impermeable layer or layer structure according to this definition may be permeable to water vapor, i.e., it may be "vapor permeable."

[0019] "Stretchable" and "stretchable" mean that the width or length of a component in a relaxed state can be stretched or increased.

[0020] "Stretchable" or "made stretchable" means that the components include at least one part made from an elastic material.

[0021] The terms "stretchable material," "extendable material," or "stretchable material" are used interchangeably and refer to a material that, when a biasing force is applied, can be stretched to an elongated length of at least approximately 110% of its original relaxed length (i.e., stretched 10% longer than its original length) without bursting or fracturing (measured by EDANA method 20.2-89), and when the applied force is removed, exhibits a slight recovery of less than approximately 20% of its elongation without completely bursting or fracturing. If such a stretchable material recovers at least 40% of its elongation when the applied force is released, that stretchable material is considered "elastic" or "elastomerous." For example, an elastic material with an initial length of 100 mm can be stretched to at least 150 mm and, when the force is removed, contracts to at least 130 mm (i.e., exhibits a 40% recovery). If, upon release of the applied force, the material's recovery is less than 40% of its elongation, the stretchable material is considered "substantially inelastic" or "substantially non-elastomerous." For example, a stretchable material with an initial length of 100 mm can be stretched to at least 150 mm and, upon removal of the force, will contract to at least 145 mm (i.e., exhibiting a 10% recovery).

[0022] The "dimensions," "length," "width," "pitch," "diameter," "aspect ratio," "angle," and "area" of an article are all measured using a ruler or magnifying glass while the article is stretched to its fully elongated circumference W1, in accordance with the "total article force measurement method" as specified herein.

[0023] "Artwork" means a visual representation to the naked eye that is provided by printing or other means and has color. Printing includes various methods and apparatus well known to those skilled in the art, such as lithography, screen printing, flexographic printing, and gravure inkjet printing techniques.

[0024] In this specification, the terms “color” or “coloring” may include any primary color other than white, namely black, red, blue, purple, orange, yellow, green, and indigo, as well as any light or mixed colors thereof. White is defined as CIE L * a * b * According to the color system, at least 94 L * a value equal to 0 ± 2 * The value, and b equal to 0 ± 2 * It is defined as a color that has a value. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Figure 1A is a perspective view of the wearable article (20) of the present invention, Figure 1B is a schematic diagram showing the front side of the wearable article of the present invention in a contracted state, and Figure 2A is a schematic plan view of the wearable article in a flat, non-contracted state, showing the side facing the garment and where the seams are not joined. The wearable article (20) has a longitudinal center line LX which also serves as the longitudinal axis, and a transverse center line TX which also serves as the transverse axis. The wearable article (20) has a side facing the body, a side facing the garment, a front elastic belt (84), a rear elastic belt (86), a crotch area (30), and a side seam (32) that joins the front elastic belt (84) and the rear elastic belt (86) to form two leg openings and a waist opening.

[0026] The wearable article (20) may be a belt-type pant as shown in Figures 1A, 1B, and 2, comprising a central chassis 38 covering the wearer's crotch area (30), a front elastic belt (84), and a rear elastic belt (86) (hereinafter referred to as "front and rear elastic belts"), wherein the front and rear elastic belts (84, 86) form a separate annular elastic belt (40) that extends transversely and defines the waist opening. In the case of belt-type pant, the separate annular elastic belt (40) may also be referred to as the elastic belt (40). In the case of belt-type pant as shown in Figures 1A, 1B, and 2, the front and rear elastic belts (84, 86) and the central chassis (38) are joined together to define the leg opening. In the case of belt-type pants, the front elastic belt 84 is the front region (26), the rear elastic belt (86) is the rear region (28), and the remainder is the crotch region (30). Although not shown, the wearable article (20) may be a one-piece pant configured such that the outer cover of the central chassis (38) and the elastic belt (40) are common. In the case of one-piece pants, the portions extending transversely between the side seams (32) are considered to be the front region (26) and the rear region (28), respectively, and the remainder is the crotch region (30). In the case of one-piece pants, the front region (26) is considered to be the front elastic belt (84), and the rear region (28) is considered to be the rear elastic belt (86).

[0027] The central chassis (38) may include a top sheet, a back sheet, an absorbent core (62) positioned between the top sheet and the back sheet, and an outer cover layer (42) for covering the side of the back sheet facing clothing. The top sheet may be a permeable substrate. The back sheet may be an impermeable film. The outer cover layer (42) may be a nonwoven fabric sheet. The central chassis (38) may accommodate an absorbent core (62) positioned on the central chassis (38) for absorbing and containing bodily waste, and an absorbent material-free region (61) surrounding the absorbent core (62). The absorbent material-free region (61) may be made from the top sheet and / or the back sheet and / or the outer cover layer (42) and / or other parts constituting the central chassis (38). In the embodiment shown in Figure 2A, the central chassis (38) has a generally rectangular shape with side edges (48) extending in the left-right longitudinal direction and end edges (50) extending in the front-rear transverse direction. The absorbent core (62) may be present throughout the entire longitudinal dimension of the crotch area and extending at least partially in the front area (26), or at least partially in both the front and rear areas (26, 28). The central chassis (38) may have a front waist panel (52) located in the front area (26) of the absorbent article (20), a rear waist panel (54) located in the rear area (28), and a crotch panel (56) in the crotch area (30) between the front and rear waist panels (52, 54). The center of the front elastic belt (84) is joined to the front waist panel (52) of the central chassis (38), and the center of the rear elastic belt (86) is joined to the rear waist panel (54) of the central chassis (38). The front and rear elastic belts (84, 86) each have a left side panel and a right side panel (82) that do not overlap with the central chassis (38). The central chassis has a crotch panel (56) located between the front waist panel (52) and the rear waist panel (54).

[0028] The absorbent core (62) may include an absorbent layer and a trapping layer. The absorbent layer is a region containing an absorbent material with high retention capacity, such as a superabsorbent polymer. The absorbent layer may not substantially contain cellulose. The superabsorbent polymer in the absorbent layer may be located between a first material layer and a second material layer, which are immobilized by a fibrous layer of thermoplastic adhesive material. The first and second material layers may be nonwoven fiber webs containing synthetic fibers such as single-component fibers of PE, PET, and PP, side-by-side, core / sheath, or island-in-the-sea type fibers. Such synthetic fibers may be formed via a spunbond process or a melt-blown process. A trapping layer may be located between the top sheet and the absorbent layer to facilitate the capture and distribution of bodily waste. The trapping layer may contain cellulose fibers.

[0029] Multiple absorbent layers may be arranged on the absorbent core (62). Parts of the absorbent layers may be configured to substantially lack absorbent material to form channels or multiple channels. The channels may be useful in allowing the absorbent core (62) to bend as it swells with the fluid, so that the absorbent article conforms to the wearer's body after inflation and prevents the article from sagging. Channels may also be formed within the trapping layer and may be configured to at least partially coincide with the channels of the absorbent layer in the thickness direction.

[0030] The elastic belt (40) of the article of the present invention dynamically generates a fitting force and acts to distribute the force that is dynamically generated during wear. The front and rear elastic belts (84, 86) can be joined to each other only at the side edges (89) to form a side seam (32), a waist opening and two leg openings. Each leg opening may have elasticity around the leg opening. The elasticity around the leg opening can be provided by a combination of elasticity from the front belt (84), the rear belt (86), and the central chassis (38).

[0031] The longitudinal lengths of the backsheet and the outer cover layer (42) may be the same or different. For example, the outer cover layer (42) may be shorter than the length of the backsheet, such that the outer cover layer (42) does not overlap with the elastic belt (40) where the central chassis (38) is located. Such a configuration may allow the elastic belt to have better breathability. Furthermore, such a configuration may provide cost savings. The transverse widths of the backsheet and the outer cover layer (42) may be the same or different. For example, the backsheet may have a transverse width shorter than the transverse width of the outer cover layer (42). Such a configuration may allow the longitudinal side edges (48) of the crotch panel (56), which forms part of the leg opening, to have better breathability. Furthermore, such a configuration may provide cost savings.

[0032] The front elastic belt (84) and the rear elastic belt (86) are configured to impart elasticity to the belt (40). Referring to Figures 1B and 2, the front belt (84) and the rear belt (86) may each include a laminate, the laminate including a plurality of transversely extending elastic members (96), an inner sheet (94), an outer sheet (92), and an outer sheet folding portion (not shown), the outer sheet folding portion being an extension of the outer sheet material formed by folding the outer sheet material at the distal edges (88) of the front and rear belts, and the belt elastic members (96) being sandwiched between these two sheets. The front elastic belt (84) and the rear elastic belt (86) may each be made only of the elastic members (96), the inner sheet (94), the outer sheet (92), and the outer sheet folding portion. The belt elastic members (96) extend transversely, and when the front elastic belt (84) and the rear elastic belt (86) are joined, an annular elastic belt (40) can be provided. At least some of the elastic members (96) extend transversely substantially parallel to each other. All of the elastic members (96) may extend transversely substantially parallel to each other. Such articles can be manufactured economically. The front and rear elastic belts (84, 86) may each have a proximal and distal edge that are continuous transversely, with the proximal edge (90) being positioned closer to the longitudinal center of the article than the distal edge (88). At least 10% of the front and rear elastic belts from the longitudinal waist opening, or at least about 15% to about 70%, may be a movable elastic laminate along the entire transverse dimension LW of the front and rear elastic belts (84, 86). These operationally elastic regions of the front and rear elastic belts (84, 86) are defined as the upper gathered region (220). Referring to Figures 1B and 2, the front and rear elastic belts (84, 86) may be processed to remove elastic mobility from certain regions to form an inelastic region (221). The elastic mobility of each of the front and rear elastic belts (84, 86) may be removed from the region overlapping with the front and / or rear waist panels (52, 54) of the central chassis (38) to define the inelastic region (221).

[0033] The elastic belt area (40) may be closely related to the function and quality of the article. Therefore, the material forming the elastic belt area (40) and the gathering profile of the elastic belt area are carefully selected by the manufacturer to provide the desirability of the article. The appearance of the type of underwear and the aesthetically pleasing regularity of the gathers may be related to high quality. A pleasant tactile sensation, such as flexibility and cushioning, can also enhance the feeling of high quality. Stretchability for easy application, fit to prevent sagging, comfort, and softness, as well as breathability for skin health, may be related to high functionality. Highly aesthetically pleasing gathers that intuitively convey the above-mentioned functional effects provide the user with a favorable overall user experience of the article. The user may be the wearer or a caregiver.

[0034] The gathers of the present invention are continuous in the longitudinal direction, however, the direction of continuity may or may not perfectly coincide with the longitudinal axis. The direction of the gathers is the direction in which the individual gathers are continuous, and each gather has repeating peaks and valleys in the transverse direction. The upper gathered region (220) of the present invention may have a directional dispersion value of about 11 points or less, or about 9 points or less, according to the measurement method herein. The directional dispersion value represents the deviation of each gather from the direction of the gathers when analyzed by image analysis. The lower the directional dispersion value, the less the deviation of individual gathers from the direction of the gathers, and therefore provides an aesthetically pleasing sense of regularity.

[0035] The laminate of the present invention, with its improved regularity of gathers, can be manufactured by any method available in the art, particularly by selecting a lofty nonwoven material with a relatively high basis weight for the outer sheet (92), and by bonding an elastic member (96) to one or both of the inner sheet (94) and the outer sheet (92) with appropriate denier, longitudinal pitch, and force. The elastic member (96) may be bonded intermittently in the stretch direction. The laminate of the present invention can be suitably provided by the following methods.

[0036] Referring to Figure 3A, the laminate can be manufactured by joining an elastic member (96) to at least one of the inner sheet (94) and the outer sheet (92) via a combination of an elastic connector (230) and a vertical connector (234). In Figure 3A, the front elastic belt (84) is shown together with the elastic member (96) and the elastic connector (230), which is represented by a solid line. In Figure 3A, the vertical connector (234) is shown only on the right side of the front elastic belt (84), and the side seam (32) is shown in an unbonded state.

[0037] In this specification, the elastic joint (230) refers to a joint that connects the elastic member (96) along the side edges (89) of the front and rear elastic belts (84, 86). The elastic joint (230) may be applied continuously to each elastic member (96) in the tensile direction adjacent to the side edges (89) of the front and rear elastic belts (84, 86) for a length of at least about 10 mm, or about 10 mm to about 60 mm, including the length designed for the side seam. The elastic joint (230) is provided to provide a relatively strong bond to the elastic member (96) and thus to firmly fix the elastic member (96) within the laminate. Fixation may be assisted by the side seam. A certain proportion or a higher proportion of the dimensions of the elastic joint (230) along the side edges (89) may be joined together. The elastic joint can also be used in an effective process to deactivate the limited transverse dimensions of the elastic member (96). Referring to Figures 2 and 3A, the elastic member (96) may be deactivated in the portion overlapping with the absorbent core (62). In addition to the lateral edge region, elastic couplings (230T) may be provided on both sides of a certain transverse dimension of the elastic member (96), which are designed to be deactivated, and the portion of the elastic member between the elastic couplings (230T) is cut and deactivated. The deactivated portion of the elastic member is not shown. Such deactivation may be referred to herein as a belly cut, and the deactivated region may coincide with the inelastic region (221).

[0038] In this specification, the vertical joint (234) is a joint applied transversely spaced to at least one of the inner sheet (94) and the outer sheet (92) to intermittently join the inner sheet (94) and the outer sheet (92). The vertical joint (234) can also join the elastic member (96) to at least one of the inner sheet (94) and the outer sheet (92). The vertical joint (234) may be provided only on the outer sheet (92). The vertical joint (234) may be provided only on the inner sheet (94). Referring to Figure 3A, the vertical joint (234) may be provided in a pattern over the entire area of ​​the laminate. By providing the vertical joint (234) in a pattern over the entire area of ​​the laminate, the vertical joint (234) can function as a joint between the inner and outer sheets (92, 94) in the area where the elastic member (96) is cut. The vertical coupling portion (234) may be provided in a region adjacent to the side edge portion (89), and therefore the regions where the elastic coupling portion (230) is provided overlap. Alternatively, the vertical coupling portion (234) may be provided only in regions where the elastic coupling portion (230) is not provided. The vertical coupling portion (234) may be provided at least in regions where the elastic member (96) is operably elastic and where the elastic coupling portion (230) is not present.

[0039] Referring to Figure 4A, the vertical joint (234) is observed in the thickness direction of the laminate along a single elastic member (96) when stretched in the stretching direction, and Figure 4A shows only the outer sheet (92), the vertical joint (234), and the elastic member (96), with the vertical joint (234) provided on the outer sheet (92). The vertical joint (234) may have a transverse dimension VG2 and is provided as a continuous pattern aligned in the longitudinal direction, with each longitudinal pattern of the vertical joint (234) spaced apart from each other by a transverse pitch VG1, where VG1 can be about 2 mm to about 15 mm and VG2 can be about 0.2 mm to about 7 mm. Focusing on one elastic member (96), the vertical joint (234) can provide intermittent connections between the elastic member (96) and the inner sheet (94), or between the elastic member (96) and the outer sheet (92). This is in contrast to the elastic coupling (230) which is provided continuously along a certain length in the stretching direction of the elastic member (96). Therefore, in the region where the elastic member (96) is intermittently coupled to only one of the inner sheet (94) and the outer sheet (92), the portion of the elastic member (96) between the transverse vertical couplings (234) is not attached to any other portion of the laminate. In Figure 4A, the elastic member (96) is coupled to the outer sheet (92). Referring to Figure 4B, when the elastic member (96) contracts, this causes the unattached portion of the outer sheet (92) to fold away from the elastic member (96), resulting in the formation of gathers. Therefore, the outer sheet (92) has fewer limitations in creating gathers compared to the region where the elastic coupling (230) is applied.

[0040] While not bound by theory, it is believed that the inner sheet (94) and outer sheet (92) having fewer constraints on the elastic member (96) contributes to the creation of improved regularity of gathers, and in this respect, a significant amount of inner and outer sheet material (92, 94) present between the vertical joints (234) can be used to create longitudinally continuous gathers. While not bound by theory, it is also believed that the inner and outer sheet material (92, 94) having fewer constraints on the elastic member (96) improves the extensibility of the elastic member (96) and provides ease of application. Compared to an elastic belt made only of elastic joints (230) in which all of the elastic members (96) are continuously connected, the elastic belt (40) of the present invention may have a lower perimeteral force under tension according to the measurement method herein. The stretched circumference force refers to the load at a particular level of stretch, and is intended to mimic the initial stretching experience felt by the wearer or caregiver when inserting a hand and stretching the item to open it. Furthermore, despite such a relatively low stretched circumference force, the elastic belt (40) of the present invention can maintain a suitable fit circumference force according to the measurement method herein. The fit circumference force refers to the unloaded force at a particular level of stretch, and is intended to mimic the force felt by the wearer while wearing the item. Accordingly, the item of the present invention has a stretched circumference force of about 6.5 N or less, or about 6.0 N or less, and a fit circumference force of at least about 3.0 N, according to the measurement method herein, and the stretched circumference force / fit circumference force ratio is less than about 1.8. A relatively low stretched circumference force / fit circumference force ratio means that there is little difference between the load and unloaded force felt by the wearer, and therefore provides a sensory quality similar to that of underwear. While not bound by theory, it is also believed that the overall breathability of the laminate can be improved and skin health can be enhanced by having the inner and outer sheet materials (92, 94) have fewer restrictions on the elastic member (96).While not bound by theory, the vertical joint (234) is thought to provide a configuration in which, when the elastic belt (40) contracts, a higher proportion of the inner and outer sheet material (92, 94) is available to form the outer surface of the laminate, while the elastic member (96) remains located within the thickness of the laminate. As a result, the laminate is provided with improved elasticity and thickness, thus providing improved comfort and softness when worn. Furthermore, while not bound by theory, when the elastic belt (40) contracts, the body-facing surface of the elastic belt (40) is provided with higher longitudinal rigidity in that a higher proportion of the inner and outer sheet material (92, 94) is available to form the outer surface of the laminate with high regularity, thus contributing to an improved fit to prevent sagging. Moreover, when the elastic belt (40) contracts, the elastic member becomes less visible, further improving the aesthetically pleasing regularity of the gathers.

[0041] In order to make a significant amount of the inner and outer sheet material (92, 94) between the vertical joints (234) available for gathering in the transverse direction, VG1 may be about 2 to 20 times, or about 3.5 to 10 times, VG2.

[0042] Any method known in the art may be used for bonding, such as hot-melt bonding, thermal energy, and ultrasonic energy. The bond strength can be adjusted by the area of ​​the bond or by the different bonding or energy levels provided by the bond, for example, by adjusting the amount and strength of the adhesive. The bond strength of the elastic bond (230) and the vertical bond (234) may be the same or different. The elastic bond (230) and the vertical bond (234) may be provided by the same hot-melt bonding.

[0043] The vertical joints (234) may be continuous lines extending in the longitudinal direction. Referring to Figure 3B, the vertical joints (234) may be a row of separate joints aligned in the longitudinal direction. Each separate vertical joint (234) may have a longitudinal dimension of about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm and a longitudinal spacing VG3 of about 3 mm or less, or about 2 mm or less, or about 1 mm or less. By providing the vertical joints (234) as a row of separate joints, the overall area of ​​the joints can be reduced. This is advantageous in maintaining a soft feel of the laminate by allowing the joints between the inner and outer sheet materials (92, 94) to be more rigid. Furthermore, this can save material or energy for joining. Each separate vertical joint (234) may be provided at an appropriate longitudinal pitch such that there is at least one separate joint joining each elastic member (96), but this is not required. Rather, it is essential that at least one separate vertical coupling portion (234) is spaced apart in each longitudinal direction of the elastic members (96) so that adjacent elastic members (96) do not come into contact with each other. As long as at least one separate vertical coupling portion (234) is spaced apart in each longitudinal direction on the elastic members (96), the elastic coupling portion (230) prevents the elastic members (96) from moving away from their intended position by providing a firm bond of the elastic members (96) along the side seams and the outer circumference of the non-elastic region (221). In the entire front elastic belt (84) or the entire rear elastic belt (86), there may be no elastic members (96) bonded to the inner sheet (94) or outer sheet (92) by a separate vertical coupling portion (234). In the entire front elastic belt (84) or the entire rear elastic belt (86), at least 1 to about 50% of the elastic members (96) may be coupled to the inner sheet (94) or outer sheet (92) by separate vertical couplings (234). In the individual elastic members (96) along the actuated length, some portions may be coupled by separate vertical couplings (234), while some portions may remain uncoupled by separate vertical couplings (234).

[0044] The article of the present invention may have left and right elastic joints, and the elastic member may or may not be attached by a separate vertical joint (234) over this length between the left and right elastic joints (230, 230T). Although not bound by theory, it is considered that providing the elastic belt to have a preferred soft feel by making the length of the elastic joint (230) as small as possible. In embodiments where the bond is provided by adhesive, providing the length of the joint as small as possible prevents deterioration of the adhesive on the elastic member (96). Deterioration of the adhesive can result in a change in the intended force profile expected of the elastic member. In embodiments where the bond is provided by heat or ultrasound, providing the length of the joint as small as possible prevents hardening of the base material caused by fiber deformation.

[0045] Articles of the present invention may have a belt elastic bonding percentage of less than about 25%, less than about 20%, or less than about 15% according to the measurement methods specified herein. That is, of all elastic members (96) arranged on the front belt (84), less than about 25% of those elastic members are bonded to the laminate by working elasticity by complete elastic bonds (230, 230T) along the working elastic length of each individual elastic member. If all elastic members are completely bonded by elastic bonds (230, 230T), the belt elastic bonding percentage is 100%. In a laminate having a belt elastic bonding percentage of less than about 100%, elastic members that are not completely bonded by elastic bonds (230, 230T) may be subject to further inspection to determine the percentage of specific elastic members bonded by elastic bonds. Articles of the present invention may have an individual elastic bonding percentage of less than about 50% according to the measurement methods specified herein. In other words, even among the individual elastic members that are not 100% bonded by the elastic bonding sections (230, 230T), the proportion of each individual elastic member that is attached to the laminate by elastic bonding is examined and averaged. The lower the individual elastic bonding rate, the less adhesive and / or heat is used to bond the elastic members to the laminate.

[0046] Referring to Figure 2, the belt-type pants are provided with end seals on the proximal edges (90) of the front and rear belts (84, 86) to keep the inner and outer sheets (92, 94) closed at the proximal edges (90), thus preventing the elastic members (96) from coming into contact. Such non-contact capability of the elastic members (96) may be particularly advantageous when the article is for a young wearer. Alternatively or in addition, the elastic member (96) located closest to the proximal edge (90) may be provided with an elastic joint (230) at an operably elastic portion along the transverse dimension of the elastic member (96).

[0047] Referring to Figure 2, the elastic member (96) may be made of a plurality of elastic strands (96) extending parallel to each other in the transverse direction, and the laminate has regions in which the elastic strands (96) have a longitudinal pitch of about 3 mm to about 18 mm, or about 3 mm to about 12 mm, or about 3 mm to about 7 mm. At least a portion of the upper gathered region (220) may have elastic strands (96) arranged at a longitudinal pitch of about 3 mm to about 7 mm. Although not bound by theory, such a longitudinal pitch of elastic strands (96), combined with the transverse pitch of the adhesive bond (234) having separate patterns as described above, is thought to contribute to the creation of improved regularity of gathers by providing appropriate longitudinal continuity of the material provided by the stiffness of the inner and outer sheet materials (92, 94). At least a portion of the upper gathered region (220) may have elastic strands (96) arranged at a constant longitudinal pitch, where the pitch is approximately 3 mm to 18 mm, or approximately 3 mm to 12 mm, or approximately 3 mm to 7 mm, with a deviation of approximately 1.5 mm or less. Although not bound by theory, such a constant pitch of elastic strands (96) is thought to contribute to the creation of gathers with improved regularity and continuity.

[0048] The front and rear elastic belts (84, 86) can be manufactured by connecting continuous inner and outer sheet material and continuous elastic strands extending along the transverse axis of the article via elastic connectors (230) and vertical connectors (234). During manufacturing, the continuous inner and outer sheet material and continuous elastic strands may be transported in the machine direction, and the machine direction of manufacturing coincides with the transverse axis TX of the article. In such a manufacturing process, the vertical connectors (234) are aligned continuously or separately across the machine direction and are spaced intermittently apart by a pitch of VG1 in the machine direction of manufacturing. The longitudinal pattern of the vertical connectors (234) may be across the machine direction of manufacturing, i.e., coincide with the longitudinal axis LX of the article, or may be slightly inclined for better control of the process, especially if the vertical connectors (234) are provided by applying the connectors with rotating rollers. The vertical joint (234) may be tilted across the machine direction of manufacture, i.e., from the longitudinal axis LX of the article, at an angle of about 0.1 to about 30 degrees in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, or at an angle of about 0.1 to about 15 degrees in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0049] The overall tensile stress (N / m) of the front and rear elastic belts (84, 86) can be profiled to maintain a certain force during wear, preventing the article from sagging after being loaded, while providing the functional benefits of the invention, such as ease of stretching and application. If the elasticity of the front and rear elastic belts (84, 86) is provided by a plurality of elastic members (96) extending transversely, the tensile stress can be adjusted by one or more of the following methods: 1) the elongation ratio of the elastic members (96), 2) the density (dtex) of the elastic members (96), 3) the longitudinal pitch of the plurality of elastic members (96), and 4) the effective length of the elasticity of the elastic members (96) in the transverse direction. With respect to the elongation ratio, "0% elongation ratio" means the original length of the elastic member. If a portion of the elastic member (96) has had its elasticity removed, the remaining portion of the unaffected elastic member that is capable of imparting elasticity is defined as the "effective length of the elasticity of the elastic member."

[0050] Referring to Figure 2, the front and rear elastic belts (26, 28) can each be divided into four zones extending transversely, which can be defined by the respective positions of the distal edge (88) to the proximal edge (90) relative to the seam length LS. In the example in Figure 2, the entire length of the belt side edge (89) of the front region (26) is the front belt (84), which is joined with a certain length of the belt side edge (89) of the rear region (28), and this is the rear belt (86) which defines the seam length LS. If the seam length LS is considered to be 0% at the distal edge (88) and 100% at the proximal edge (90) of the side seam (32), the zones are defined as follows: 0-25% as the lumbar zone (102), 25-50% as the distal abdominal zone (104), 50-85% as the proximal abdominal zone (106), and 85-100% as the leg zone (108), and so on. If there is an elastic member located 25% from the distal edge (88), such an elastic member is considered to be included in the lumbar zone (102). If there is an elastic member located 50% from the distal edge (88) or 85% from the distal edge (88), such an elastic member is considered to be included in the proximal abdominal zone (106).

[0051] Certain zones of the belt may contain elastic material with a density of approximately 500 dtex or less. Elastic material with a density of approximately 500 dtex or less may be placed in one or more of the anterior lumbar zone (102), anterior distal abdominal zone (104), or anterior leg zone (108). Elastic material with a density of approximately 500 dtex or less may be placed in one or more of the posterior lumbar zone (102), posterior proximal abdominal zone (104), or posterior leg zone (108). At least 50% of the elastic members of each of the anterior belt (84) and posterior belt (86) may have a density of approximately 500 dtex or less. Although not bound by theory, it is thought that elastic material with a relatively low density provides an easy initial stretch experience when stretching and opening the article (20) while maintaining a good fit during wear. In other words, using such an elastic material with a relatively low density is advantageous for providing a controlled perimeter force during elongation while maintaining a certain perimeter force during fit.

[0052] In the article of the present invention, the tensile stress in the anterior proximal abdominal zone (106) may be higher than that of any of the anterior lumbar zone (102), anterior distal abdominal zone (104), or anterior leg zone (108). The tensile stress in the anterior proximal abdominal zone (106) can be greater than that of any other zone, either anterior or posterior. The tensile stress in the posterior distal abdominal zone (104) may be higher than that of any of the posterior lumbar zone (102), posterior proximal abdominal zone (106), or posterior leg zone (108). Comparing the four zones of each of the anterior and posterior belts, the tensile stress may be highest in the anterior proximal abdominal zone (106), followed by the posterior distal abdominal zone (104). While not bound by theory, such zone-specific profiling regarding tensile stress is thought to provide the article of the present invention with an elastic belt (40) shaped to conform well to the human body, particularly the lower torso of an infant under 36 months of age, and thus provide the wearer with good fit and comfort without compromising anti-sagging or anti-leakage. That is, the anterior proximal abdominal zone (106) is subjected to high tensile stress so that the article can accommodate the wearer's buttocks while securing the article to the wearer's trochanter, leaving more area in the posterior proximal abdominal zone (106). The upper gathered region (220) may be provided with relatively low tensile stress, as long as the article is securely secured at the trochanter. While not bound by theory, such relatively low tensile stress is thought to contribute to improved regularity of the gathers and to providing the upper gathered region (220) with a softer fit.

[0053] In belt-type pants, the longitudinal length LB of the rear elastic belt (86) and the longitudinal length LF of the front elastic belt (84) may be the same, or the rear elastic belt (86) may have a longer longitudinal length LB, as shown in Figure 2. Referring to Figures 1B and 2, when the wearable article is assembled to form the waist and leg openings, the wearable article (20) is folded along the transverse centerline TX such that the front distal edge (88) aligns with the rear distal edge (88). The front side edge (89) is also aligned with a portion of the rear side edge (89). The front belt (84) and the rear belt (86) are then joined at the front and rear side edges (89) by a seam (32). However, the front and rear proximal edges (90) do not need to be aligned with each other. The posterior proximal edge (90) may be positioned closer longitudinally to the transverse centerline TX than the anterior proximal edge (90) such that the proximal portion of the posterior side panel (82) extends beyond the anterior proximal edge (90) toward the crotch panel (56) of the main body (38). The side edge of the proximal portion of the posterior side panel (82) may not be joined or attached anywhere. Thus, the proximal portion of the posterior side panel 82 provides a buttock cover 95 as shown in Figure 1B.

[0054] In the present invention, at least one of the inner sheet (92) and the outer sheet (94) may further include a plurality of deformations, the deformations being aligned longitudinally and repeated transversely. The deformations may be holes, slits, markings, embossings, protrusions, or any other permanent deformations into the nonwoven material for producing the inner sheet (92) and / or the outer sheet (94), as long as they are aligned longitudinally. For example, referring to Figure 5A, the deformations on the outer sheet (92) are represented in the form of holes. Each longitudinal deformation pattern may be spaced apart from one another by a transverse pitch of DF1, such that VG1 is greater than DF1, or VG1 is at least about 1.5 times or at least about 2 times DF1. Although not bound by theory, such deformations provided in relation to adhesive joints (234) having separate patterns assist the nonwoven material in folding the inner sheet (92) and / or outer sheet (94) within dimension VG1, thereby creating a continuous fold in the longitudinal direction. This improves the regularity of the gathers. The longitudinal deformation pattern may or may not coincide with the longitudinal pattern of the adhesive joints (234) having separate patterns. In fact, the discovery of the present invention is that even if the longitudinal deformation pattern does not coincide with the longitudinal pattern of the adhesive joints (234) having separate patterns, the regularity of the gathers is still improved. If the longitudinal deformation pattern and the longitudinal pattern of the adhesive joints (234) having separate patterns are to be matched, process precision may be required, and such matching may be omitted. Even if the longitudinal deformation pattern does not match the longitudinal pattern of the adhesive joint (234) which has a separate pattern, by providing DF1 and VG1 in a relationship other than an integer, the majority of the longitudinal deformation pattern fits within the longitudinal pattern of the adhesive joint (234) which has a separate pattern, thereby assisting in gathering.

[0055] The deformable portion may be a continuous line extending in the longitudinal direction, or a row of separate deformable portions aligned in the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from each other by the longitudinal pitch of DF2, where DF2 is less than or equal to DF1 as shown in Figure 5A. By providing the deformable portion in a row of separate deformable portions, the overall area weakened or stiffened by the deformable portion can be reduced. By making DF2 the same as or smaller than DF1, the longitudinal folding of the inner and outer sheet materials (92, 94) is facilitated as described above.

[0056] The deformed portion may be a hole in the outer sheet, and each hole may be elliptical or polyhedral in shape, having an aspect ratio of about 3 or less, or about 2.5 or less. Referring to Figure 5A, each hole may have a transverse dimension APT of at least about 0.4 mm, or about 0.4 mm to about 2.0 mm, and a longitudinal dimension APL, where APT is at least about 10% larger than APL. Furthermore, the individual holes are spaced apart from each other with a longitudinal pitch DF2 of about 5 mm or less, and APL is 50% or less of DF2, or APL is about 12% to about 30% of DF2. Holes of such size, shape, and spacing may be visible to the naked eye on the surface facing the garment, and thus have breathability and high quality for the gathers and the entire laminate, even when the gathers are in a contracted state. Furthermore, by providing a VG1 that is larger than DF1, the holes are positioned on the folded portion as described above, and thus the visibility of the holes when the gathers are in a contracted state is further improved. Figure 5B is a plan view of the elastic belt of the present invention in an extended state, while Figure 5C is the same elastic belt in a contracted state. In the elastic belts of Figures 5B-5C, VG1 is approximately 1.5 times DF1. As can be seen in Figure 5C, by providing such a relationship between VG1 and DF1, at least one row of holes in the longitudinal direction is continuously folded in a longitudinal manner, providing continuous longitudinal gathers, with the holes located near the peaks of each gather. This improves breathability and the feeling of breathability. Furthermore, by making DF1 somewhat larger than DF2, and having the individual holes spaced as described above, the first repeating pattern can have a longitudinal orientation of holes. By providing the holes of the first repeating pattern in a longitudinal orientation in the inelastic region (221), the inelastic region (221) appears to harmonize with the upper gathered region (220), improving the longitudinally continuous gathers of the upper gathered region (220).

[0057] Referring again to Figure 1A, the article of the present invention is formed by closing the front belt (84) and rear belt (86) with a side seam (32). It is desirable that the side seam (32) be strong enough to withstand normal use conditions, i.e., not break when stretched during application or after the article has been subjected to load. On the other hand, it is also desirable that the side seam (32) be easy to open after use, i.e., be able to be torn by hand along the longitudinal dimension to remove it from the wearer. Although not bound by theory, by providing holes in the outer sheet (94) that have longitudinal repeating units in which each repeating unit is not linearly aligned in the transverse direction, the entire laminate can be easily torn along the longitudinal dimension without the tear line following the hole and deviating in the transverse direction.

[0058] The outer sheet (92) of the present invention may be a nonwoven fabric having a basis weight of about 10 gsm to about 55 gsm, or about 10 gsm to about 35 gsm, and may have a fiber diameter of about 0.8 dpf to about 6 dpf. The fiber diameter is stated in denier / filament (dpf) units used in the industry, which is grams per 9,000 meters of fiber length. The outer sheet (92) nonwoven fabric can be produced by processes such as spunbond, spunlace, card, or airlaid, and may contain fibers and / or filaments made from polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene phthalate (PET), polylactic acid / polylactide (PLA), or conjugated fibers (PE / PET, PE / PP, PE / PLA, etc.), as well as natural fibers such as cotton, or regenerated cellulose fibers such as viscose or liocell. The outer sheet (92) nonwoven fabric may be a multilayer or composite structure combining nonwoven fabrics made by different processes and fibers, such as a combination of spunbond nonwoven fabric and carded nonwoven fabric. The outer sheet (92) nonwoven fabric may be made from biodegradable materials or derived from renewable resources. Exemplary materials for the outer sheet (92) include air-through carded nonwoven fabrics having a thickness of at least about 50 μm, at least about 80 μm, or at least about 200 μm. Such materials can provide a soft and resilient (lofty) feel on the side facing the garment. Suitable materials for the outer sheet (92) nonwoven fabric of the present invention are air-through carded nonwoven fabric materials made from concentric two-component fibers, crimped fibers made through core eccentric two-component filaments, or side-by-side two-component filaments.Non-limiting examples of materials suitable for the outer sheet (92) nonwoven fabric of the present invention include 12-45 gsm air-through card nonwoven fabric substrates containing PE / PET bicomponent fibers, such as those available from Beijing Dayuan Nonwoven Fabric Co.Ltd. or Xiamen Yanjan New Material Co.Ltd., and 8-45 gsm spunmelt nonwoven fabric substrates containing PP monofilament or PE / PP bicomponent fibers, such as those available from Fibertex or Fitesa.

[0059] The inner sheet (94) of the present invention may be a nonwoven fabric having a basis weight of about 5 gsm to about 45 gsm, or about 5 gsm to about 35 gsm. The inner sheet (94) nonwoven fabric may have a fiber diameter of about 0.5 dpf to about 4 dpf. The inner sheet (94) nonwoven fabric can be manufactured by processes such as spunbond, spunlace, card, or airlaid, and may include fibers and / or filaments made from polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene phthalate (PET), polylactic acid / polylactide (PLA), or conjugated fibers (PE / PET, PE / PP, PE / PLA, etc.), as well as natural fibers such as cotton, or regenerated cellulose fibers such as viscose or liocell. The inner sheet (94) nonwoven fabric may also be a multilayer or composite structure combining nonwoven fabrics made by different processes and fibers, such as a combination of spunbond nonwoven fabric and carded nonwoven fabric. The inner sheet (94) nonwoven fabric may be made from biodegradable materials or derived from renewable resources. Non-limiting examples of materials suitable for the inner sheet (94) nonwoven fabric of the present invention include 12-30 gsm air-through card nonwoven fabric substrates made from PE / PET bicomponent staple fibers, such as those available from Beijing Dayuan Nonwoven Fabric Co.Ltd. or Xiamen Yanjan New Material Co.Ltd., and 8-30 gsm spunmelt nonwoven fabric substrates containing PP monofilaments or PE / PP bicomponent fibers, such as those available from Fibertex or Fitesa.

[0060] The basis weights of the outer sheet (92) and the inner sheet (94) may be adjusted such that the basis weight of the inner sheet (94) is less than or equal to that of the outer sheet (92). Thus, the outer sheet (92) can be provided with a soft and elastic tactile feel with high quality, while the inner sheet (94) can be kept thinner and conform to the outer sheet (92), thus saving costs. Furthermore, although not bound by theory, it is thought that providing such a basis weight relationship effectively transports skin sweat to the outer sheet (92) and to the outside of the laminate, while preventing the transported sweat from returning to the inner sheet (94). The hydrophilicity / hydrophobicity of the outer sheet (92) and the inner sheet (94) may be adjusted such that the hydrophilicity of the outer sheet (92) is higher than that of the inner sheet (94). Although not bound by theory, it is thought that such a gradient of hydrophilicity is advantageous for transporting skin sweat from the inner sheet (94) to the outer sheet (92) and to the outside of the laminate. The inner sheet (94) nonwoven fabric may be inherently hydrophobic. Hydrophobicity of the inner sheet (94) nonwoven fabric may be provided by treating the polymer resin with a hydrophobic melt additive during the fiber manufacturing process, or by applying a hydrophobic additive after the nonwoven fabric has been formed. The outer sheet (92) nonwoven fabric may be inherently hydrophobic, and therefore, relatively higher hydrophilicity than that of the inner sheet (94) may be provided by treating the polymer resin with a hydrophilic melt additive during the fiber manufacturing process, or by applying a hydrophilic additive after the nonwoven fabric has been formed.

[0061] As described above, the outer sheet (92) may be perforated. The perforations can be created by a male-female hot-pinning process, a drilling process, a water-jet and screen-based water-entanglement process, and combinations thereof. The perforations can also be created by creating multiple weakened locations using heat, pressure, or ultrasonic energy followed by progressively increasing elongation, causing rupture at these weakened locations in the nonwoven web, as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,628,097. Such rupture methods may be particularly useful for nonwovens using spunbond and meltblown fibers. The perforations may be three-dimensional, heterogeneous, and non-aligned, and may form a pattern, as described in International Publication No. 2016 / 73712. The inner sheet (94) may also have perforations for breathability. The perforations in the inner sheet (94) may be created using the same or different processes, sizes, and densities as those in the outer sheet (92). Providing perforations can alter the stiffness of the inner or outer sheets (92, 94). By adjusting the rigidity of the outer sheet (92) in the longitudinal and transverse directions, a desired continuous gather can be provided in the longitudinal direction.

[0062] The front elastic belt (84) may include a waist opening gathering zone along the waist opening, comprising approximately 5% to 30% or 10% to 25% of the longitudinal dimension LF of the front elastic belt, wherein the waist opening gathering zone is operably elastic and has artwork. The waist opening gathering zone may coincide with or overlap the upper gathering region (220). The front elastic belt (84) may include a pair of leg opening gathering zones along at least a portion of the leg opening, comprising approximately 5% to 25% or 5% to 20% of the longitudinal dimension LF of the front elastic belt, wherein the leg opening gathering zone is operably elastic and has artwork. The artwork of the leg opening gathering zone may be provided only along the leg opening or extending along the proximal edge (90) of the front elastic belt (84). The artwork of the leg opening gathering zone may coincide with the region where the proximal edge of the front elastic belt (84) is operationally elastic, and thus extends slightly beyond the leg opening, while being interrupted in the region that coincides with the inelastic region (221) of the front elastic belt (84). The longitudinal dimension of the leg opening gathering zone may be about 30% to about 80% of the longitudinal dimension of the waist opening gathering zone.

[0063] The artwork in the waist opening gathered zone and the leg opening gathered zone of the front elastic belt (84) may have at least a common color or a common shape. For example, the artwork may be a line or multiple lines extending transversely. The lines may be straight or wavy. Both the waist opening gathered zone and the leg opening gathered zone may be provided with gathers with low directional dispersion and / or high continuity values, as described above. Providing the waist opening gathered zone and the leg opening gathered zone of the front elastic belt (84) with such dimensions and appearance can improve the underwear-like appearance of the entire article. Although not bound by theory, the aesthetically pleasing gathers of the present invention with high regularity are considered advantageous in providing a similarly regular appearance of the artwork overlapping the gathers. The rear elastic belt (86) may include a movably elastic waist opening gathered zone, which may provide artwork and appearance that match the longitudinal dimensions of the front elastic belt (84). The rear elastic belt (86) may include an operably elastic leg opening gathering zone along the proximal edge (90) of the front elastic belt (84), and may be provided with artwork and appearance that matches the longitudinal dimensions of the front elastic belt (84). Providing similar artwork to both the front and rear elastic belts (84, 86) can improve the overall underwear-like appearance of the article.

[0064] The side of the crotch area of ​​this article facing clothing may be provided with a visible deformable portion similar to the deformable portion provided on the outer sheet (92), as described above. By harmonizing the visible deformable portions of the crotch area and the front and / or rear elastic belts (84, 86), particularly the inelastic regions (221) of the front and / or rear elastic belts, the overall appearance of the article as if it were underwear can be improved.

[0065] Whole article strength measurement method Force is measured using an electric tensile testing machine equipped with a computer interface, such as MTS Criterion C42 running TestWorks 4 Software (available from MTS SYSTEMS (China) CO., LTD) or equivalent equipment. A load cell is selected so that the force applied to the specimen under test is 10-90% of the load cell's capacity. The equipment is calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions. All tests are performed in a room maintained at 23±2°C and 50±5% relative humidity.

[0066] A hanger-type specimen holder (300), as shown in Figure 6, is mounted on the tensile testing machine. Each holder is equipped with a rigid, linear, rubber-coated horizontal bar section (302) to prevent the specimen from slipping during testing. The outer diameter of the horizontal bar section (including the rubber coating) is 10.0 mm. The central axis of the horizontal bar section (302) is configured to remain parallel and within the same vertical plane throughout the entire testing process. The gauge length is determined by the following formula. Perimeter of the gauge point = 2 × (H + D + πD / 2) In the formula, H is the vertical gap between the horizontal bar sections (302), and D is the outer diameter of the bar.

[0067] The equipment is configured to perform the following steps:

[0068] [Table 1]

[0069] Insert the sample of article (20) onto the upper horizontal bar section (302) so that the bar passes through the waist opening and one leg opening of the article. Raise the crosshead until the specimen hangs above the lower bar and no longer touches the lower bar (302). Lower the crosshead so that the tare weight of the load cell is subtracted and the article can be inserted through the waist opening and the other leg opening without stretching the article. Adjust the article so that its longitudinal centerline LX is in the horizontal plane midway between the upper bar and the lower bar (302). Ensure that the center of the side portion in contact with the bar (302) is on the same vertical axis as the load cell of the instrument. While holding the article in place by hand as needed, slowly raise the crosshead until the force is 0.05 to 0.1 N, taking care not to apply unnecessary force. The gauge circumference at this point is the initial gauge circumference. The test is initiated by moving the crosshead upward at 254 mm / min until a force of 19.6 N is obtained, and then immediately returning the crosshead to its initial gauge circumference at the same speed. The force at the maximum circumference at 19.6 N and at 70% of the maximum circumference while the test segment is loaded and unloaded is recorded.

[0070] The maximum circumference (mm) at 19.6N is defined as the fully stretched circumference W1. The circumference at 70% stretch is defined as the fully stretched circumference (mm) × 0.7. The force (N) in the loaded segment of the test at 70% stretch is defined as the stretched circumference force. The force (N) in the unloaded segment of the test at 70% stretch is defined as the fitted circumference force. Five samples are analyzed, their average is calculated, and each is reported in units of 1 mm or 0.01 N.

[0071] Belt elastic coupling ratio and individual elastic coupling ratios This measurement method is intended to identify 1) the proportion of elastic members on the laminate that are attached to the laminate solely by elastic connections defined as "belt elastic connection ratios," and 2) the proportion of each individual elastic member that is attached to the laminate by elastic connections defined as "individual elastic connection ratios." 1. The test shall be conducted in a room maintained at 23±2℃ and 50±5% relative humidity. The completed wearable item (20) sample shall be allowed to set in the test room for more than one hour. 2. Inspect the front elastic belt (84) while it remains attached to the front belt without tearing the side seams. Open the rear belt from the rear by cutting it longitudinally with scissors approximately 20-50 mm away from both side seams. Then, carefully remove the opened belt from the central chassis by hand, taking care not to alter the working elastic area of ​​the laminate. Therefore, if the laminate cannot be separated from the central chassis, it is acceptable for the layer to remain on the central chassis to which the laminate sample is attached. Do not use cold spray. 3. Observe the laminated sample obtained in this way to identify the inelastic region obtained by the abdominal cut. Some samples may not have an inelastic region; in such laminated samples, skip the rest of this step, and there will be no "T sample" thereafter. The portion of the laminated sample that extends laterally and has an inelastic region is considered the abdominal cut region (T), and the rest of the laminated sample is considered the lumbar region (W). Separate the lumbar region (W) and the abdominal cut region (T) by cutting transversely with scissors at the midpoint of the elastic member closest to each region. 4. Mark the inner edge of the side seam with a ballpoint pen on both the W (lumbar region) and T (abdominal cut region) samples obtained in this manner. The T sample has two operational elastic regions. Identify the starting point of the operational elastic region adjacent to the inelastic region by observing the belt gathering caused by operational elastic contraction and marking it with a ballpoint pen. Count the total number of elastic members in each sample ("Total Elastic"). Do not count curved elastic members (e.g., those extending longitudinally around leg openings that do not have a transverse stretch direction) or elastic members that overlap each other. 5. Gently stretch each W and T sample until the gathers in the working elastic region disappear, then measure the elastic length of each elastic member in 1 mm increments using a scale. For the W sample, measure the distance between one side of the inner edge of the seam and the other side of the inner edge of the seam as each elasticity and sum them up ("Total Elastic Width"). For the T sample, measure the distance between one side of the inner edge of the seam and the marked working elastic start point for both working elastic regions and sum them up ("Total Side Width"). 6. In both the W and T samples, the sample is cut approximately along the longitudinal center of each working elastic region to remove the tensile force. One working elastic region is present on the W sample and two working elastic regions are present on the T sample; therefore, this step produces two cut W samples and four cut T samples. 7. Stretch the cut sample by hand five times to approximately its fully stretched circumference W1, following the "Total Material Force Measurement Method," ensuring that the stretching is sufficient to separate the elastic member from the laminate, but does not exceed the point at which the sheet material constituting the sample breaks. Note that it may not be possible to separate the elastic member. 8. By observing the gathering of the belt due to operational elastic contraction, record the elasticity of each individual part at the point when operational elasticity remains after separation. 9. Gently stretch the cut sample again until the gathers disappear, then measure the remaining working elastic length of each individual elastic member in 1 mm increments using a scale and sum them up ("Total Elastic Bonding Width"). 10. Count the number of elastic members that maintain their initial operational elastic length without separating ("Full bonded elastic"). In a cut W sample, a particular elastic member is considered "separated" if either the left or right side of the elastic members of the cut sample separates. In a cut T sample, a particular elastic member is considered "separated" if any of the elastic parts of the cut sample separate. 11. The "individual elastic coupling ratio" (%) is the length of the "total elastic coupling width" (mm) obtained by dividing by [length of "total elastic width" (mm) + length of "total side width" (mm)], which is reported in units of 1%. 12. The "belt elastic coupling ratio" (%) is the number of "fully coupled elastic" values ​​obtained by dividing by the number of "total elastic" values, which are reported in units of 1%.

[0072] Directional dispersion 1. Sample preparation The article (20) sample is mounted on a rigid plastic plate of an appropriate size that allows the elastic belt (40) of the sample to be attached when it is stretched to 65% to 90% of its fully stretched circumference W1. For the measurement of the article samples in Examples 1-2 and A-C, a rigid plastic plate with dimensions of 250 mm in the transverse direction and a thickness of 4 mm was used.

[0073] 2. Image acquisition The sample, mounted on a rigid plastic plate, is placed horizontally on a non-reflective black background plate. A Canon camera (Canon E2 6D Mark II) or equivalent with a lens (EF24-105mm f / 4L IS2 USM) is placed 1050mm above the sample. Two bar lights (Smart Vision Lights LHF 300 or equivalent) are placed 650mm transversely and 300mm vertically from the sample, with the light surfaces facing at an angle of 45±6 degrees from the horizontal, and the longer dimension of the bar lights parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sample. The camera's focal length is set to 64mm. Image acquisition settings are ISO:400, F:5.0, exposure time:1 / 160 sec, and the acquired image resolution is 11 pixels / mm.

[0074] Images of the front and rear elastic belts are obtained.

[0075] 3. Image analysis of directional variance values a) Import the acquired image into ImageJ software (version 1.52h, National Institute of Health (USA)) or equivalent and convert it to 8-bit. b) The analysis region image is cropped from the original image. The analysis region extends longitudinally from the elastic member closest to the waist opening, measuring 20 mm towards the proximal edge, and extends transversely by 200 mm, with the center of the analysis region coinciding with the longitudinal axis LX. The image obtained by this step in Example 1 was Figure 7A. The cropped image in Figure 7A included the upper gathered region (220). c) The image obtained in step b) is filtered using the "Gaussian Blur" filter in ImageJ with a radius of 8 sigma. The image obtained by this step in Example 1 was Figure 7B. d) Apply the ImageJ built-in plugin "Directionality" (version V2.2.0) to the image obtained in step c). The analysis parameters used are Method: Local Gradient Orientation, Nbins: 90, Histogram Start: 0. The image obtained by this step in Example 1 was Figure 7C. In this step, the image is described by the parameter "Variance," which is the standard deviation of the Gaussian fitting to the calculated gather orientation distribution. The directional variance value of the article is obtained by averaging the "Variance" values ​​of the front elastic belt (84) and the rear elastic belt (86). Five samples are analyzed, their average is calculated and reported in units of 0.01. [Examples]

[0076] Examples 1-2 and A-C were obtained in this manner, and the tests described below were performed.

[0077] Example 1: A size 4 (L size) belt-type pant article (lot number EXP-18-BN3311) handcrafted by a skilled worker, having the following characteristics: structure, elastic profile, and other properties as shown in Figure 2 and Table 1 below.

[0078] Example 2: A size 4 (L size) belt-type pants article (lot Not.EXP-19-DZ7410) fabricated by an experimental machine, having the hole pattern shown in Figure 5B, and possessing the same structure, elastic profile, and other properties as shown in Figure 2 and Table 1 below.

[0079] Example A: One-piece pants item, size 4 (L size), sold under the product name "Merries". Lot number 20190327 was used for tests 1 and 2, and lot number 20190422 was used for other tests. All were purchased from the Chinese market.

[0080] Example B: One-piece pants item, size 4 (L size), sold under the product name "GooN Super Premium-Feather". Lot number 20190306 was used for tests 1 and 2, and lot number 20181004 was used for other tests. All were purchased from the Chinese market.

[0081] Example C: A size 4 (L size) belt-type pants item sold under the product name "Teddy Bear More than Thinner". Lot number 20190625 was used for tests 1 and 2, and lot number 20190424D was used for the other tests. All were purchased from the Chinese market.

[0082] Example D: A size 4 (L size) belt-type pants item (lot number Aka-EO-JAN16-LB) with the same elastic profile as experimentally produced Example E, degraded for 3 months.

[0083] Example E: A size 4 (L size) belt-type pants item (lot number 83272022P0) that was purchased from the Chinese market and sold under the product name "Pampers Hadaeno Ichiban Pants," and had deteriorated for 12 months.

[0084] [Table 2] ( *1) In Table 1, "abdominal cut" refers to the deactivation of elasticity in the transverse central region of the elastic strand, resulting in an effective elastic length of 68%.

[0085] 1. Whole article strength measurement method The stretch circumference force (SCF) and fit circumference force (FCF) were measured according to the "total material force measurement" method described herein. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0086] 2. Belt elastic coupling ratio and individual elastic coupling ratios The belt elastic bonding percentage (BEB) and individual elastic bonding percentage (IEB) were measured according to the measurement method specified herein. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0087] [Table 3]

[0088] 3. Image Analysis Directional dispersion values ​​(DDV) were measured according to the "Directional Dispersion Value" measurement method described herein. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0089] 4. Labeling and tactile testing Thirty panelists were recruited who were caregivers of infants using size 4 (L size) pull-up diapers and had experience using a mix of major brands in a similar price range used in the study. The number of caregivers of boys and girls in the 25-36 age group was roughly equal. Fifteen completed product test samples were displayed on mannequins, and the panelists were also allowed to touch them to provide their tactile feedback. All test samples were provided without any artwork. In examples A, B, and C, which were purchased from the market, the artwork was removed by removing the printed backsheet, and then the samples were reconstructed by replacing the backsheet with one that did not have any printing, in order to create the final product. Care was taken not to degrade the quality of the gathers when reconstructing the samples. Each respondent was asked to observe and touch each test sample individually and then fill out a questionnaire. The questionnaire included seven values, as shown in Table 3, and each respondent was asked to evaluate the test samples against these values ​​using five evaluation scales: "Insufficient" = 0, "Good" = 25, "Good" = 50, "Very Good" = 75, and "Excellent" = 100. The scores were then averaged.

[0090] Of the 15 test samples examined, information on Examples 2, A, B, and C is extracted in Table 3 below. Not all respondents evaluated all products; therefore, "Basic Size" indicates the number of respondents.

[0091] [Table 4] ( * 2) The example number marking after the score indicates that it is "statistically significantly better" than the example marked at a 90% confidence level. For example, the "overall" evaluation of Example 1 was statistically significantly better than each of Examples A, B, and C.

[0092] According to the "Total Material Strength Measurement Method" test results in Table 2, Example D, measured 3 months after manufacture, provided a relatively low extension perimeter force. However, Example E, using the same elastic bonding method, measured 12 months after manufacture, provided a significantly higher extension perimeter force, to a degree that would be considered tight to a consumer's notice. Example 2 of the present invention provides a suitable extension perimeter force and fit perimeter force and is expected to maintain such forces during its normal shelf life. The other Examples A-C provided less desirable extension perimeter forces.

[0093] According to the test results in Table 3, Example 2, which satisfies the parameter requirements of the present invention, has statistically significantly higher overall support than Examples A, B, and C, and is statistically significantly better or superior in all other values. Example 2 of the present invention also has improved stretchability for easier application, improved fit to prevent sagging, improved comfort and softness, and improved breathability for skin health.

[0094] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​listed. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to mean both the listed value and the functionally equivalent range encompassing that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "approximately 40 mm." Furthermore, any numerical range given throughout this specification includes any narrower numerical range that falls within such a broad numerical range.

[0095] All documents referenced herein, including cross-referenced documents or related patents or applications, are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference, unless expressly excluded or specifically limited. No document reference shall be deemed prior art to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, nor shall it be deemed to teach, suggest or disclose any such invention, either alone or in combination with any other reference(s). Furthermore, if any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition given to the term in this document shall prevail.

[0096] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications within the scope of the invention be covered in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A longitudinally and transversely continuous wearable article comprising a front elastic belt, a back elastic belt, a crotch region, a waist opening, and a pair of leg openings, the crotch region extending longitudinally between the front elastic belt and the back elastic belt; a laminate of mobile elastic along the entire transverse dimension of the front and back elastic belts, wherein 10% to 25% of the longitudinal dimension of the front and back elastic belts from the waist opening defines an upper gathered region, the laminate including an inner sheet, an outer sheet, and a plurality of elastic members extending continuously in the transverse direction; In the upper gather region, all of the elastic members are arranged at a constant longitudinal pitch of 3 mm to 7 mm with a deviation of 1.5 mm or less; the laminate further comprises elastic bonding portions that continuously bond the plurality of elastic members along the side edges of the front and back elastic belts over a stretching direction of at least 10 mm in regions adjacent to the side edges of the front and back elastic belts, and bonding portions that are applied to at least one of the inner sheet and the outer sheet at intervals in the transverse direction to intermittently bond the elastic members to at least one of the inner sheet and the outer sheet, the article has a stretched perimeter force of 6.5 N or less and a fitted perimeter force of at least 3.0 N according to the measurements herein, and the ratio of the stretched perimeter force / fitted perimeter force value is less than 1.8; The joint utilizes hot melt adhesive, The article, wherein the outer sheet comprises spunbond fibers and has a basis weight of 10 to 35 gsm, the inner sheet comprises spunbond fibers and has a basis weight of 5 to 35 gsm, the inner sheet having a basis weight equal to or less than the basis weight of the outer sheet, and the inner sheet is thinner than the outer sheet.

2. 2. The article of claim 1, wherein the bonds are spaced apart longitudinally to form a longitudinally repeating pattern of the bonds, and each elastic member is attached to the inner sheet or the outer sheet by at least one of the bonds.

3. 3. The article of claim 2, wherein the elastic members are spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction at a pitch of 6 mm to 18 mm, and the bonded portions have a transverse dimension VG2 spaced apart from one another at a transverse pitch VG1, and a longitudinal spacing VG3, wherein VG1 is 2 mm to 15 mm, VG2 is 0.2 mm to 7 mm, and VG3 is 3 mm or less.

4. The article of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the elastic member comprises elastic strands having a density of 500 dtex or less.

5. 5. The article of claim 4, wherein at least 50% of the elastic members of each of said front belt and said back belt are elastic strands having a density of 500 dtex or less.

6. The article of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein VG1 is greater than VG2.

7. The article of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the upper gathered region is provided with artwork, the artwork being color.

8. 10. The article of claim 1, wherein the upper gathered region has a directional variance value of 11 points or less according to the measurements herein.

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